Crossword Genius

Whip near Keir regularly is party manager (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

caterer

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'party manager' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'whip near keir regularly' is the wordplay.
'whip' becomes 'cat' (cat o' nine tails, cat for short is a type of whip).
'regularly' indicates alternate letters (regularly take one letter, leave next etc.).
'near'+'keir'='nearkeir'
The alternate letters of 'nearkeir' are 'erer'.
'cat'+'erer'='CATERER'

'is' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for caterer that I've seen before include "One providing food and drink" , "Provision supplier" , "Provider of food and drink" , "One providing food and service for a party" , "Person who supplies food for social events" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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